Spark Notes

Important Key Points:

  • Two years pass; Crusoe becomes an excellent fisherman for his master.
  • After becoming lost in fog on one of the fishing expeditions, Crusoe’s master outfits his boat with a compass, a cabin, and provisions.
  • Gunpowder is even stored on board because the master was planning a shooting party. The guests were held up, and Crusoe sees this as an opportunity.
  • Crusoe is sent out with two other slaves (Ismael and Xury) to catch fish for the guests’ dinner.
  • Once out to sea, Crusoe sends Ismael overboard and threatens to shoot him if he approaches the boat. Being a good swimmer, Ismael heads to shore.
  • Xury swears his allegiance to Crusoe.
  • South of Sallee (Morocco), they hear wild beasts and end up shooting a lion, which they skin in order to use the pelt as a sleeping mat.
  • Near what Crusoe believes are the Canary Islands they see natives on shore. Each is afraid of the other, but the natives end up giving Crusoe and Xury food.
  • Crusoe and Xury shoot a leopard, and the natives eat it, giving Crusoe the skin because they are so impressed by the gunfire.
  • While Crusoe is deciding where to head, Xury sees a Portuguese ship off in the distance. They head toward it, hoping to speak with them.

Thanks to Mrs. Plantan for these notes!